Part 77 (1/2)

Harry didn't leave his rooms the next morning, alerted by a message from Salter and disappointing information from Dawlish.

”They don't know,” Dawlish repeated for Salter's benefit when they gathered in Harry's library at eleven.

”Both are sure Mrs Babbacombe's Miss Heather's guardian but whether there's another they can't say either way.”

”Hmm.” Salter frowned. He looked at Harry.

”Word came in from some of my people. Joliffe's hired a carriage with four strong horses. No particular destination and he didn't hire any boys with it--paid a goodly deposit to take it without.”

Harry's fingers tightened about his pen.

”I think we can conclude that Mrs Babbacombe is in danger.”

Salter grimaced.

”Perhaps--but I've been thinking about what your man here said. You can't go watching them for forever--and if they don't take one, they might take the other. The stepdaughter's still their ultimate goal.”

It was Harry's turn to grimace.

”True.” He stood poised to remove Lucinda from all danger 'but it was undoubtedly true that, if Joliffe was desperate enough, such a move would expose Heather as Joliffe's next target.

”I've been thinking,” Salter continued, 'that this matter of the carriage is probably for the best. It means he's planning a move soon. We're alerted--something Joliffe doesn't know, If we can sort Out the facts about this guardians.h.i.+p, ~neanwhile keeping a close watch on Joliffe and his crew, then before they can make their move, we can tie them up with a warrant. My sources are sure Mortimer Babbacombe will talk readily enough. Seems he's in Over his head. ”

Harry drew his pen back and forth through his fingers, his gaze distant as he considered the next twenty-four hours.

”If you need the information about the guardians.h.i.+p to obtain a warrant, then we'll have to investigate further.” His gaze s.h.i.+fted to Dawlish.

”Go and see Fergus--ask if he knows where to contact a Mr Mabberly of Babbacombe Inns.”

”Ah--no need.” Salter held up a large finger.

”Leave that to me. But what shall I tell Mr Mabberly?”

Harry's lips compressed.

”He's Mrs Babbacombe's agent--she trusts him, .I gather--so you may tell him whatever you must. But he'll very likely know the answer. Or at least know who does.”

”Still no thoughts of just asking the lady?” Slowly, Harry shook his head.

”But if we haven't got the answer by tomorrow evening, I'll ask her.” Salter accepted the deadline without comment.

”Need any help keeping an eye on the pair of them?” Again Harry shook his head.

”They won't be leaving Hallows House today or tonight.” He looked at Salter, his expression resigned.

”My aunt is. holding a soiree.”

It was the biggest soiree Em had held in years and she was determined to enjoy it to the full.

Lucinda said as much as, side by side, she and Harry ascended the stairs to the ballroom.